Governor gives assent to dance bar bill

Maharashtra governor S M Krishna today gave his assent to the Mumbai Police (amendment) Bill, 2005, aimed at banning dance bars in the state.

The bill, which was passed by both the houses of Maharashtra legislature during the monsoon session in July, was sent for governor's approval last night following which he gave his consent, a Raj Bhavan official said.

Maharashtra minister of state for home Sidhram Mhetre indicated that the ban would come into effect from August 15.

He said a notification would be issued by the government, specifying the date from which the ban comes into effect.

Asked if the ban would come into effect from August 15, the independence day, the minister replied in the affirmative.